Priority Assistive Technology Products

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Original Editors - Habibu Salisu Badamasi

Top Contributors - Habibu Salisu Badamasi, Naomi O'Reilly and Kim Jackson      

Introduction[edit | edit source]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of ten persons who require at least one assistive product go without. Children with injuries in low- and middle-income or fragile nations rely on donated wheelchairs, which are frequently of poor quality and unsuitable for the user or their surroundings.[1] People can live a healthy life with the help of assistive products.to live productive, independent, and dignified lives take part in education, the labor market, and civic life. Assistive technology can also help to reduce the need, Long-term care, provision of formal health and support services as well as caregivers' efforts. People who do not have access to assistive products may face exclusion, isolation, and poverty, as well as becoming a burden to their family and society.[2] To increase access to high-quality, low-cost assistive technology The World Health Organization recommends products in all countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) is introducing the Priority Assistive Products List (APL). The APL is the first stage in implementing the Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE), a global commitment to improve access to assistive products.[2]

Definitions[edit | edit source]

Assistive technology products are defined as "dny external product (including devices, equipment, instruments or software), especially produced or generally available, the primary purpose of which is to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and independence, and thereby promote their well-being. Assistive technology products are also used to prevent impairments and secondary health conditions.

Priority assistive technology products are defined as "those products that are highly needed, an absolute necessity to maintain or improve an individual’s functioning and which need to be available at a price the community/state can afford."[2]

People who Most Need Assistive Technology Products[edit | edit source]

  • Older People
  • People with a Disability
  • People with Non-communicable Diseases
  • People with Mental Health Conditions including dementia and autism
  • People with Gradual Functional Decline

Role of Priority Assistive Technology Products[edit | edit source]

  • Compensate for an impairment / a loss of intrinsic capacity
  • Reduce the consequences of gradual functional decline
  • Minimize the need for caregivers
  • Prevent primary and secondary health conditions
  • Lower health and welfare costs
  • Help in achieving activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Play a role in having access to education, work and employment
  • Provide a greater mobility, freedom and independence
  • Encourage inclusion and participation leading to a dignified life

List of Priority Assistive Products[edit | edit source]

Alarm Signallers with Light/Sound/Vibration[edit | edit source]

Alarm signalers with light/sound/vibration alert people who are deaf and/or hard of hearing to changes within their environment. These devices can provide a warning signal in a modality that is accessible to them (such as through a vibration, or a flashing light, or an amplified signal) to alert them of imminent danger (such as smoke, fire or a security breach). These signalers or transmitters can also bring their attention to their environment, such as when a doorbell is pressed, a phone rings, or a baby cry. These alerting devices can be added to existing fire alarm systems, or alarm clocks (if they make use of the same frequency) so as to provide the necessary warning signal.

Audioplayers with DAISY Capability[edit | edit source]

Assistive products that record, play and display audio and visual information. Daisy is an acronym standing for 'Digital Accessible Information System'. These digital reading systems can play/show audio, text and pictures and make them accessible to individuals with visual difficulties that affect their ability to read printed material. Daisy material can be played on a stand-alone Daisy player, or by using Daisy software on a computer (however this document is only related to stand alone hardware daisy player.Its purpose of use is to meet the needs of persons with varying types and degrees of ability, specifically to manage practical problems for persons who are blind or have very low vision.

Braille Displays (Note Takers)[edit | edit source]

Braille displays are devices with small pins that electronically move up and down through six holes representing a braille cell. Refreshable braille displays contain a row of these cells. The number of cells displayed varies. Users move their fingers across the cells as if they were reading braille on paper. The pins move up and down, reflecting the words on the computer screen. Braille displays can be the length of a computer keyboard or small enough to be portable and interface with smart phones and tablets.

Braille Writing Equipment/Braillers[edit | edit source]

Canes / Sticks[edit | edit source]

Chairs for Shower/ Bath/ Toilet[edit | edit source]

Closed Captioning Displays[edit | edit source]

Club Foot Braces[edit | edit source]

Communication Boards/Books/Cards[edit | edit source]

Communication Software[edit | edit source]

Crutches, Axillary/ Elbow[edit | edit source]

Deafblind Communicators[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit | edit source]

World Health Organisation Priority Assistive Products List

References [edit | edit source]

  1. world health organisation.First ever global guide for assistive technology to improve the life of millions. Available from:https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/first-ever-global-guide-for-assistive-technology-to-improve-the-life-of-millions (accessed 1 july,2021).
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 World Health Organization. Priority Assistive Products List: Improving access to assistive technology for everyone, everywhere. World Health Organization; 2016.